Who We Are
At Tillys, we’re a leading specialty retailer offering casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for young men, women, boys, and girls. Our extensive collection features iconic global brands, emerging labels, and proprietary lines, all rooted in an active and social lifestyle.
Based in sunny Southern California, our Retail Support Center (RSC) is the heart of our corporate operations, dedicated to supporting both our retail and online stores. The RSC is where strategy meets execution. From trend forecasting to tech innovation, our teams work together to bring the Tillys experience to life — both in-store and online.
Position Summary
We’re looking for an experienced and visionary Design Director to lead Trend Forecasting, Technical Design, Design, and Product Development. This role is responsible for driving the creative direction of our product categories in alignment with market trends and business goals. The Design Director will work closely with cross-functional partners in Merchandising, Marketing, Visual Merchandising, and Styling to ensure a cohesive and innovative brand experience.
Key Responsibilities
A typical day may include:
Trend Forecasting and Market Research
- Lead seasonal trend forecasting and market analysis to produce design and trend direction.
- Translate cultural, consumer, and fashion trends into actionable insights for upcoming collections.
- Create and present mood boards, color palettes, and fabric direction.
- Stay ahead of emerging fashion and trade trends through regular market research and travel, ensuring a forward-thinking approach to design.
- Conduct competitive and consumer research to identify new product opportunities and ensure relevancy in a dynamic market.
Design and Product Development
- Lead design and development of new products and enhancements to existing styles meet consumer needs and drive business growth.
- Drive the creation of seasonal and monthly design concepts, developing cohesive collections that go beyond our core offerings.
- Manage the design process from concept through hand-off, ensuring creative intent and brand vision are maintained through development.
- Guide design team and collaborate closely with Merchandising to align on fabric, print, trim, silhouette, outfitting, and fit across all stages of the product lifecycle.
- Partner with Merchandising to ensure product assortments meet business strategies and customer needs.
- Develop and implement short- and long-term design strategies that support overall business objectives and seasonal priorities.
Technical Design
- Ensure design concepts are executed with a high level of technical accuracy and garment integrity
- Ensure all garments meet brand-specific fit, quality, and construction standards.
- Review technical packages, fittings and samples to maintain consistency and production feasibility
- Collaborate with internal technical design teams and external production teams to troubleshoot construction and material issues
- Collaborate with the Technical Team and Merchants to ensure Tillys’ fits remain trend-forward and market-relevant by driving proactive development strategies.
Collaboration
- Build and nurture strong relationships with cross-functional teams, external vendors, and suppliers to support seamless product development.
- Clearly communicate brand strategy, positioning, and consumer insights to guide and inspire the broader design team.
- Contribute to the overall success of the team by supporting additional initiatives and responsibilities as needed.
- Merchandising – Align seasonal design concepts with merchandising strategies, pricing architecture, and sales goals.
- Marketing – Support storytelling and campaign development with product insights and visual direction.
- Marketing – Partner with Creative Director and Art Director to effectively translate merchandising strategies and priorities to cohesive, visually compelling marketing materials.
- Styling – Collaborate with stylist to ensure product presentation aligns with brand image and collection intent.
Qualifications
Your experience brings:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Illustrator, and Photoshop
- Strong merchandising, product, and analytical skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication, collaboration and presentation skills
- Ability to multitask and prioritize in a dynamic environment
- Comfort using standard office equipment
- Initiative, reliability, and a collaborative mindset
- Professionalism with all levels of staff and management
Education & Experience
- 10 years of progressive design experience with at least 5 years in a director role.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design or related field preferred.
- Deep understanding of garment construction, materials and production processes.
- Proven ability to lead a creative team and manage multiple seasonal calendars.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- Professional office setting with low to moderate noise
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
- Occasionally lift/move up to 20 lbs and navigate stairs
- Frequent walking and movement between floors/departments
- Reasonable accommodation is available to support individuals with disabilities
Leadership & Team Development
As a leader at Tillys, you are expected to set the tone for your team through integrity, inclusion, and a solutions-oriented mindset. We look for individuals who lead by example, inspire collaboration, and consistently align team performance with company goals. Leaders are empowered to mentor talent, drive operational excellence, and cultivate a culture rooted in proactive collaboration, curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset.
Tillys supports ongoing leadership development through hands-on learning, cross-functional exposure, and advancement opportunities tailored to individual growth paths.
Compensation
Annual Range: $185k-$210k
Final offer will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications.
What to Expect
Schedule: Full-time role with weekday office hours; occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
Work Location: Irvine, CA — minimum of 4 days per week in-office.
Why Join Tillys?
At Tillys, we thrive in a creative, collaborative, and high-energy environment where individuality is not just accepted — it’s celebrated. Whether you're brainstorming bold new campaigns or fine-tuning behind-the-scenes processes, your work makes a real impact. We foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, and recognition, where professional growth is supported, wins are celebrated, and having fun is part of the process. Join a team that values authenticity, teamwork, and always strives for excellence.
Perks & Benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan – Save for your future with our company-sponsored plan
- Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, life, and additional voluntary benefits
- Employee Discount – In-store and online
- Discount Programs – Save on travel, events, and more
- Employee Sample Sales – Major deals on favorite brands
- Wellness & Social Events – Fitness programs, parties, and team outings
- Weekly Office Snacks – Stay fueled with stocked treats
Equal Opportunity Employer & Fair Chance Hiring
Tillys is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Fair Chance Hiring: In compliance with California law, Tillys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act.
Other Considerations
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions.